STCW Falls Short on Ammonia Training

Lloyd’s Register's Maritime Decarbonisation Hub (The Decarb Hub) and Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping (MMMCZCS) have released a third report aimed at helping meet the upskilling needs of an estimated future 800,000 seafarers as the industry transitions to alternative fuels.

While current frameworks outlined in the IMO STCW for seafarer training provide a foundation, they fall short of addressing the unique challenges posed by ammonia, says the organizations which have released the new report under the “Ammonia as Fuel – Competencies and Training” project.

The report emphasizes the need to address design and human factor challenges associated with ammonia. It outlines a roadmap for the industry to prepare seafarers for ammonia-fueled ship operations, detailing minimum regulatory requirements, basic and advanced competencies for seafarers, and role-specific training for onboard and shore-based personnel.

The MMMCZCS conducted an industry acceptance survey which revealed a great degree of willingness to work on ammonia-fueled vessels, with this level of heightened acceptance contingent on comprehensive training programs.

To aid in impending seafarer safety, shipping companies are urged to conduct gap analyses, update corporate policies, and invest in seafarer upskilling initiatives. Additionally, regulators and flag states must work together to incorporate